Acute symptoms · Berlin
Acute stomach pain
Acute stomach pain is an acute medical condition that RAB Arztbesuche treats with a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
Burning or pressure in the upper abdomen, heartburn, nausea, sometimes vomiting — acute stomach pain is common and usually treatable. But it can also be the first sign of a serious disease — from biliary colic to atypically presenting heart attack. Our specialist physicians come daily from 6 am to midnight, work through a broad differential and treat selectively.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Acute stomach pain in Berlin — the critical differential
Upper abdominal pain is a common symptom with a broad differential. Most cases are harmless and result from acute gastritis, reflux or functional dyspepsia. But the most important clinical task with any upper abdominal pain is to reliably rule out more serious causes: biliary colic, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, ulcer perforation, acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction can present atypically as upper abdominal pain, particularly in women and older people), aortic dissection.
On the house call we take time for this triage. We examine the abdomen structurally, check cardiac signs, record an ECG for any unclear or clinically relevant constellation and decide with you about therapy and further work-up.
What happens during the house call
We ask about onset, character (burning, dull, stabbing, colicky), location, radiation, triggers (meals, position, stress), accompanying symptoms (vomiting, stool changes, chest pain), medication (especially NSAIDs, aspirin, anticoagulants) and comorbidities. We measure vital signs, examine the abdomen (tenderness, rebound, percussion, auscultation, Murphy sign) and screen further organ systems. For any unclear constellation from middle age onward or with cardiac risk factors we record an ECG. For classical gastritis or reflux we prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (pantoprazole, omeprazole) and an antiemetic, advise on diet and alcohol abstinence and plan follow-up. With suspected ulcer, cholelithiasis or pancreatitis we organise prompt ultrasound and lab work-up. With red flags (chest-pain component, shock, peritonitic abdomen) we direct to hospital.
When gastroscopy is appropriate
For new-onset upper abdominal pain from age 50, with alarm symptoms (weight loss, anaemia, vomiting, black stool, dysphagia) or persistent symptoms despite adequate therapy over weeks, we recommend gastroscopy. We issue the referral, name suitable gastroenterology practices in your district and coordinate with the gastroenterologist.
How the house call works
On first contact we screen for cardiac, biliary or surgical signs. With clear emergency signs we direct you to 112 or hospital. Otherwise we dispatch the next available specialist — typically a 60- to 90-minute arrival.
On site we perform the structured exam with abdominal assessment and ECG if needed, administer an intramuscular spasmolytic or antiemetic if indicated and start oral therapy. You receive written escalation criteria, a gastroenterology referral where appropriate and a follow-up appointment.
Billing and insurance
We bill according to the German private medical fee schedule (GOÄ) via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. House call, internal medicine exam, ECG, administered medication and consumables are itemised separately. German private health insurance and Beihilfe schemes typically reimburse these positions in full.
We can issue an English invoice on request and remain reachable by phone for billing questions after the visit.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Acute gastritis after stress or NSAIDs
A patient in Friedrichshain has had burning upper abdominal pain for two days after high-dose ibuprofen for back pain. We examine, start a proton pump inhibitor and advise on pain therapy without NSAIDs.
Reflux with nocturnal burning
A patient in Charlottenburg wakes at night with burning behind the sternum and in the upper abdomen. We rule out cardiac causes by ECG and start reflux therapy.
Upper abdominal pain in an older patient — ECG
A 70-year-old in Zehlendorf has unclear upper abdominal pain without classical reflux triggers. The ECG shows acute ischaemic changes — we direct straight to cardiology.
Hotel guest with stress gastritis
A business traveller in a Mitte hotel has acute upper abdominal pain before an important meeting. We treat symptomatically, give a proton pump inhibitor and align with the day's schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Could it be a heart attack?
Some constellations — particularly in women, older people and diabetics — can present a heart attack as upper abdominal pain. In these cases we record an ECG on site and rule it out.
Do I need a gastroscopy?
Not always. For classical gastritis or reflux under 50 without alarm symptoms, therapy is the more important element. We recommend gastroscopy with alarm symptoms, from age 50 onward or for persistent symptoms.
What helps right away?
A proton pump inhibitor (pantoprazole or omeprazole) works reliably — full effect builds over two to three days. An antacid as drinking gel helps acutely. For cramps a spasmolytic can be useful.
Should I stop eating?
Pause acutely for a few hours, then small portions of light, low-fat food. Avoid alcohol, coffee, spicy food and nicotine. Late eating worsens reflux — last meal three hours before sleep.
Book now or call
Get in touch — we will arrange a doctor for your house call regarding Acute stomach pain.